Dealing with special requests: Why you should use a smaller flight specialist

If you're planning a trip and need to book group flights, it’s likely you’ll need the services of a flight consolidator.

Sure, there are some big names out there that you’ve probably already heard of but did you know that using a smaller flight specialist could actually be far more beneficial?

There are lots of advantages to choosing smaller businesses for your travel arrangements, from prioritising personalised services, to niche expertise and getting better value for money. 

With that in mind, here are some key reasons why opting for a smaller flight specialist might be the best choice for you.

To get a more personalised service

Smaller flight specialists can provide a more personalised experience, taking the time to understand your specific needs and preferences. They can then customise your itinerary, suggest alternative routes or find special deals that larger companies might overlook.

Not only that, but many will have direct access to airlines and have spent years forming strong relationships with the teams there. This enables them to offer a more tailored and personal service whilst also securing you the best airfares.

For direct communication with a dedicated representative 

When working with a smaller flight specialist, you’ll be given a dedicated representative who stays with you throughout the booking process. This ensures consistent communication and a more personal touch.

Plus, some flight specialists like BTG Travel Management will even allow for 24/7 contact, making sure that a representative is always available when you're going on your trip, no matter what time of day. This is something that many larger flight consolidators don’t offer. 

What’s more, there are lots of ways to stay connected nowadays, but often bigger flight consolidators will keep their contact to phone calls, email or possibly web chats. 

Smaller flight specialists often use more personal platforms like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, making it quicker and easier to get in touch with your representative. For example, through BTG Travel Management, all expedition leaders are added to a WhatsApp group to make travel arrangements and communication much simpler. 

You’ll receive better support and advocacy

Although we hope it doesn’t, should something go wrong during your trip, you want to know that you’re covered. 

For some of the larger companies, their involvement is limited once your flight has been booked. Whereas most smaller flight specialists are able to provide greater support, often going above and beyond to resolve issues on your behalf, such as rebooking flights or securing refunds. 

On top of this, they are more likely to act as your advocate in disputes with airlines, ensuring your interests are represented. 

For example, when several students were off-boarded from the plane ahead of a school trip to Marrakech, our team stepped in to make sure everyone travelled together. You can check out our full case study here. 

To work with experts in the field 

Smaller flight specialists will focus more on particular regions, types of travel (like school trips, expeditions or corporate getaways) or even specific airlines. It is their knowledge and expertise that are invaluable to you as a customer. 

As part of this, they may also get access to better deals, upgrades or routes that aren't widely advertised, thanks to their relationships with these airlines and industry insiders.

Your representative is more likely to go above and beyond 

We’ve already touched on many of the ways that smaller flight specialists will do more for their clients, but there is one thing we haven't covered yet - dealing with special requests.

 From professionals with allergies about to embark on a team-building exercise to flying parents out to be with a child who is feeling unwell, there may be times when you have special requests or require emergency assistance. 

Many larger organisations are unable to provide this. For one thing, they are too busy and for another, they don’t like to deviate from patterns or typical procedures. Whereas, smaller companies have more time to take care of their customers and deal with special or unusual requests. 

Getting more value for your money 

Lastly, although smaller flight specialists may not necessarily be able to offer discounts on group flight bookings, all of the above means that they can provide better overall value for money. In most cases, there are no hidden fees, unlike some larger booking platforms and you’ll get more favourable refund policies.

Not to mention your dedicated representative will help you with any changes or amendments you may need to make to your trip. 

So, if you’re planning a group travel experience and you would prefer to book through a smaller flight specialist, you’re in the right place. 

The team at BTG Travel Management are happy to help with any special requests and we make sure our expert team is always on hand to support our customers in any way they can. 

If you’d like to know more, get in touch today.